Should You Invest in a Set of Winter Rims?
Since winter tire changes are now mandatory in Quebec, light vehicle owners have to ride on winter tires: from December 1 to March 15. It's the law!
Of course, there it's an additional cost. But it is a question of safety, after all. On the other hand, also changing your vehicle's wheels altogether for the cold season is a personal choice motivated by other reasons, such as practicality, maintenance, and aesthetics. It also depends on your budget.
So, should you invest in winter wheels or not?
If you plan on keeping your vehicle for several years (at least four or more), you may want to consider investing in a separate set of winter wheels because of the long-term savings in seasonal tire mounting/demounting costs. "The initial cost may seem high, but you'll see the savings over the coming seasons," claims OK Tires.
Of course, the trip to the garage will be much faster if you have a second set of rims with tires already mounted on them. You can even do the job yourself at home and save even more time and money.
Before you make the decision to invest in winter wheels, you should also consider whether steel or alloy wheels are right for you. Steel wheels are stronger and more economical, while alloy wheels look better and are available in a variety of designs. That said, not all alloy wheels are winter-proof. They require a special coating to minimize damage from salt and other road debris.
By the way, steel wheels may rust, but the corrosion remains on the surface and does not usually affect the strength or stability of the wheel. Wheel covers can be installed over them to give the vehicle more style without paying the high price of alloy wheels.
One final tip: regardless of the wheels and tires, they should always be checked for balance, wear, and air pressure. Changing wheels is also a good time to do preventive maintenance on the vehicle. If there is a problem with the wheel alignment, it should be addressed immediately to avoid major damage and to ensure a safe and comfortable drive.
